This 1948 Dodge Power Wagon was found on Craigslist in the hills north of Los Angeles. The frame is gone, but a donor with original MU-2 winch was found along with a new bed and disc brakes front and rear. Originally I planned to use the donor frame, but as costs added up, plans changed significantly.
Keeping a factory frame and making a great driver seemed inconsistent, so I sourced a Tisdale Coachworks custom frame. This linked suspension frame is built from 3/16 CAD bent steel rails. It features a full power train from B&R Auto Wrecking- a 5.7 Hemi, 545RFE and NV271, AAM axles, and 6 bolt steering. These came out of 2005, 2007, and 2018 Ram 2500s.
The 5.7 will get a few upgrades including a camshaft from Comp Cams, MSD coils, a Holley fuel system, and full harness from Hotwire Auto.
The axles will get 4.56 gears from G2, an AAM e-locker front and limited slip rear, and G2 diff covers. The front axle got Yukon Free Spin hubs for better drivability. R1 Concepts Geomet slotted and drilled rotors and Heavy Duty pads will stop this truck easy.
The shocks on this truck are 2.5” Fox units, custom valved with their DSC adjusters. Springs are from Eibach. An updated Moog steering set will keep the truck going it’s intended direction.
Wheels and tires are 17×9.5 Black Rhino Axle wheels, paired with 40×13.5×17 Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS tires. This super aggressive combination provides the look of NDT tires and will do great work off road.
Bestop power steps from a 2 door Jeep JK will be modified to tuck under the factory running boards and give some hope of getting in easily. Inside the cab a Wilwood pedal and master will provide stopping power. Seating will come via a modified 3rd row from an Escalade with incorporated seat belts. VDO gauges will provide the necessary information on the 5.7. A Restomod Air system has been sourced to keep things comfortable.
Power Wagon specific parts came from DCM classics including a new windshield frame and glass for the truck, as well as a new stamped Dodge tailgate and wood for the bed.
Lots of people have been involved with this build so far, I post updates to @jhettinga1 on Instagram whenever I get the chance to work on it.
Images
Parts on the Truck
Parts on this truck have come from a number of great companies (links below) including:
G2 Axle gears, lockers, differential covers
MSD coils, plug wires, Holley fuel system, Flowtech headers
Wilwood pedal and master cylinder